Luton Falls Prevention Service

A clinician (falls support worker or therapist) will complete a multifactorial falls assessment. They will identify what additional support and/or equipment is needed to enable the person to remain at home safely and reduce their risk of further falls.

This may include:

• a referral to social services for a new or increased care package
• provision of equipment
• home environment check and recommendations
• referral on to other organisations (such as Luton Intermediate Care and Rehabilitation Team, Social Services or Age Concern)
• advice regarding other ways of reducing the risk of further falls
• lying and standing blood pressure and liaison with GP 
• if a falls support worker have done an assessment, liaison with falls therapist for advice and if a therapy 1:1 is needed
• if appropriate for 8 week Strength and Balance class criteria, clinician to do outcome measures and facilitate attendance to Strength and balance class in Lewsey Community Centre or Dallow Centre

What happens during strength and balance classes

1. Registration and blood pressure check.
2. Education about falls prevention.
3. Warm up and cool down.
4. Strengthening exercises.
5. Balance circuits.

After the assessment

A clinician may do a telephone review to find out how you are and to check that any equipment ordered or services arranged are working well.

We will then discharge you and notify your GP of our assessment.

If completed the 8 week strength and balance classes, clinicians will do a post outcome measure visit and onward referral to activity groups (total wellbeing, active Luton) and discharge you back to GP.

We will accept self-referrals and referrals from healthcare, social care and voluntary services professionals such as: 

• the ambulance service
• clinical navigation team at Luton and Dunstable Hospital
• Luton integrated nursing teams such as Parkinson's team, community matrons and the rapid response team
• GPs
• residential and care homes
• care agencies
• fire service
• age concern

Eligibility

To be eligible for our service you must meet the following criteria:

• aged 18 years old and over
• live in Luton
• have had a fall at home
• are at risk of falling

Self-referral

If you have fallen or feel like you are at risk of a fall, you can self-refer into the service.

You will need to call 0333 405 3000. We will then contact you to ask further questions. If appropriate we will also organise a multifactorial falls assessment.

You can contact our service everyday, including bank holidays (except Christmas Day), 8am to 6pm.

Telephone number - 0333 405 3000